This chapter discusses the history of data collection and storage from ancient times through modern databases. It describes how early humans tracked data using pebbles and clay tokens, the development of record keeping in ancient civilizations, and the evolution of data storage technologies like punched cards, magnetic tape, disks, and solid state drives. It explains how data has become a crucial corporate resource and competitive advantage, and how database management systems were created to address the challenges of storing and accessing vast amounts of business data.